Who should be allowed to purchase guns?

[Koobuh]

Everyone.

Legal means could (and do!) broaden the definitions of 'felon' 'child' and 'handicapped' so much that very few indeed are legally able to own arms.
No restrictions existed beyond expense before the modern era, and it wasn't an issue then. Why do we always assume we are so very different from our ancestors?

 

[Pafrmu]

Wow, did my thread get resurrected on Easter?

 

[NineseveN]

Spooky, ain't it?

 

[Yakko]

I said "Everyone" but think it should be...
Everyone with two caveats:
Children would need consent, parents are responsible for their kids, or should be.
Felons who have done their time only. If you are on parole you haven't paid your debt.
Mentally handicapped... If they need a caretaker, see children above. If mentally handicapped means insane, then no.

 

[mp510]

Chose everyone minus felons. I don't have a problem with Mr. Mail Fraud or Ms. No Pay IRS, but I really don't want a murderer buying guns. Only violent felons should be disabled? Also, I believe that the insane (those who can't stand trial) should not have guns either, unless they can be proven sane.

 

[pdowg881]

I would say everyone except felons that were convicted for a violent crime. I know many people who can't purchase firearms for nonviolent felons like tax evasion or something like that. There is a big difference from someone who uses a firearm to commit a violent crime, and someone who tries to avoid paying taxes.

 

[captlid]

I'm not arguing with you, I just don't know that one can make the argument that liberty = transportation = driving a car. That's a leap. There are other modes of transportation, you are free to walk anywhere you like save for private porperty without the owner's consent. Like I said, it's problematic, and probably a discussion best left for another time and another thread.

The antis say the same thing. "You dont need a rifle with a 30 round mag" This sounds like the same thing said above about travel. "You dont need a car to travel, you can walk" Licences are just another way for the state to make money.

 

[wahsben]

My answer would be everyone except violent criminals and those that have mental conditions that make them violent. Children would be required to have adult permission and supervision.
I am for criminal control and part of criminal control is not allowing them to legally own firearms. Yes they will get them anyways but at least it can't be said that I allowed the likes of Charles Manson, Jeffery Dahmer the crips or the bloods etc. to walk into a gun shop and purchase a gun.
People that say they would allow violent criminals to legally purchase guns only hurts all the lawful citizens efforts to the RKBA. As others have mentioned even some of the founding fathers mentioned peaceable citizens.
Can you imagine what the headlines would be if we got a law passed that allowed violent criminals to legally purchase firearms and they did purchase firearms and used them in the commision of a crime? The next day if not the same day all our firearms would be on the chopping block.
Yes when they get out of prison they supposedly have paid their debt to society but they have never and can never repay their debt to their victims and the victims family.
Also as we well know many that are let out of prison are not rehabilitated and will become repeat offenders.
Violent criminals may or may not be able to help themselves but I am not going to help them to legally access firearms.

 

[xd9fan]

The Bill of Rights are absolute. Reguardless of Govt or law enforcement input.

 

[Arkady]

Any American citizen who has not been convicted of a VIOLENT crime (For instance, embezzlement is a felony, yet I don't see how it disqualifies you from owning a gun.). I would say that anyone committed to a mental institution against their will would be disqualified until a psych evaluation, as well.

 

[Foxtrot427]

anyone but felons and children.

 

[stevekl]

In my opinion, children shouldn't be given all the rights as adults, so children don't automaticaly have the right to purchase a firearm. What should the minimum age be? I dunno...it's a hard question to answer because you have to be arbitrary about it. I would say that 18 is probably a good age (for rifles, shotguns AND handguns). Infact I think that ALL age limits that we have on the books should be brought up to 18 (in the case of driver's licenses) and brought down to 18 (in the case of alcohol and handguns).

Any mentally handicapped person who is incapable of reason and making rational decisions should not be able to own a firearm.

I voted to disallow felons but I kinda think think that some should and some shouldn't. Maybe just violent felons.